Treasure Hunt: Searching for Your Booty...Call Number

What is a call number?

A call number is a unique series of letters and numbers assigned to a book in a library. The easiest way to understand call numbers is by thinking about them as addresses. Our library is a large space made up by many different subject areas. Our library catalog functions as a map of that space which library goers can use to locate books. The call numbers found in the catalog point people to the unique location of each book in the library, in just the same way that addresses on a map indicate the location of individual buildings.

Decoding a call number

Ever wonder what a call number means? Let’s break down the call number for The Book Thief, a young adult novel by the author Markus Zusak:  

The letters PR in this call number let us know that it is English Literature, while the numbers following indicate that the book is a work of fiction containing some elements of fantasy. The second third and fourth line of this call number refer to the author and to the book itself. The letter Z stands for Zukas’ last name, while the rest of the two lines are unique to The Book Thief as a work of fiction. The fifth line indicates that 2006 is the year that this edition of the book was published, and the final line of this call number indicates that this the second copy of this novel in the library system.

YOUR CLUE

Go to the blue Library of Congress Subject Heading Poster located at the back of the circulating shelves in the library.

Find and then write down the two letter subject designation for archaeology as listed on the poster. Complete the call number with the following elements: 77 .U5 X15 2006. When you find the book, you will find your next clue!